The school year is winding down which means moving season is gearing up!

Moving is one of the most stressful life experiences, right up there with Death, Debt and Divorce.  Whether you plan to move yourself or hire professionals to help, a little planning will make your move easier.

Here are a few things to consider:

1.  When do I start?

Allow yourself at least four weeks for a local move and three months for a long-distance move.  This is not the time to procrastinate!  The earlier you start the lower your stress.

2.  Don’t pack your clutter

Purge, purge, purge and purge some more before you move.  Don’t relocate your clutter!  Now is the time to go through your closets, kitchen cabinets and garage and eliminate as much as you can.  Plan a yard sale and/or donate to your favorite charity.  Your extraneous belongings will cost you money in extra packing boxes and weight.

3.  The new place

Measure the rooms of your new home and measure your furniture.  Decide now what will come with you and where it will go.  Name the rooms for the movers.  Use bright sticky notes for Master bedroom, Kids room, Office, etc.  If you have time, line your kitchen shelves.

4.  Don’t forget the utilities

Make a list of all your utilities and schedule the shut-off dates.  If you are moving locally, transfer services to the new address.

5.  Hiring a mover

Don’t hire two guys with a truck on Craigslist.  Get estimates from two or three reputable movers. Moving companies are regulated by the Department of Transportation. The D.O.T. has excellent information about protecting yourself from fradulent movers.

6.  Supplies

Start gathering your supplies well ahead of time.  You’ll need boxes, tape, plain newsprint, bubble wrap, plastic wrap and wide-tip indelible markers.  Shop around for the best prices and check Craigslist for lightly used boxes.  There are many online sources to help you estimate how many boxes you will need.

7.  Packing

Allow twice as much time as you think you need to pack.  Start now with items you use infrequently.  Pack and label your boxes by destination in your new home. The room labels in your new house will help the movers (or you!) get the right boxes in the right rooms.  Number your boxes and keep an inventory list on a pad of paper. United Van Lines has an excellent series of videos with packing tips for specific rooms and items.

8.  Moving day

BE COMPLETELY PACKED BEFORE THE MOVERS ARRIVE. Do a walk through with the moving crew.  Make sure you have bedding and essential kitchen items in a labelled “Open First” box.  Carry your valuables and vital papers with you.

Oh, one last thing: BE COMPLETELY PACKED BEFORE THE MOVERS ARRIVE!